"Ramadhan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting."

This Quranic verse explains the inseparable link between the Quran and the month of Ramadan. The revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) began in this month. Some scholars have explained that the word 'so' (fa) in this ayah leads to the following paraphrase of one aspect of its meaning: "Fast this month because it is the one in which the Quran was sent down". The night in which the Quran was revealed is known as The Night of Power or The Night of Destiny.

The Significance of Sharh Ramadan (lunar month of fasting for Muslims)The word 'Quran' in Arabic comes from the root word 'qa ra a'. And it means: "recitation"

It literally means 'recitation' or 'proclamation'.

The Quran is the literal Speech of Almighty God to His arch angel Gabriel who then recited the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him). This occured over a period of twenty three years.

Muslims are encouraged to read the Qur'an regularly and even moreso in the holy month of Ramadan.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite the whole Qur'an to the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel - in Arabic) once every Ramadan and twice in the year he died.

Muslim scholars over the centuries have been known to leave other optional acts of worship in order to focus on reciting the Qur'an in the blessed month of Ramadan.

So most Muslims emulate this practice by completing the recitation of the whole Qur'an at least once in the month of Ramadan - especially during the night (taraweeh) prayers.

Oh, and by the way - check out this site for reading, listening and even learning the Quran - www.ReciteQuran.com

For the explanation (tafseer) of Quran in English (from the great scholar, Ibn Kathir) - try this site: www.QTafsir.com

This night is referred to by the Qur'an in the following verses:

"Indeed, We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months." Qur'an (97:1-3)

Given the importance attached to this night, Muslims are expected to exert themselves in worship in it. It is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with such are manifold. Muslims are told in the Qur'an that praying throughout this one night is better than a thousand months of prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is; it is one of God's mysteries.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed Muslims to search for this Night of Power during the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan without specifying any day. However, due to the sayings of some of his companions, many scholars believe it to be on the 27th day. During this night it is highly meritorious to spend as much time as possible in prayer, seeking forgiveness and supplicating to God Almighty

Another traditional link between the Qur'an and Ramadan is that it is highly meritorious to complete reciting the Qur'an in the holy month of Ramadan.

Compiled from various sources and adapted by Jubril Alao.

Get a Free Quran - For Non-Muslims in English (other languages available too)

Great chance for all of us to learn and enjoy the Quran (in Arabic and English). Come on, let's all share in the rewards and get this message out. Send everyone the link to this page... www.islamnewsroom.com/news-we-need/351-ramadan2